How to Add a New Category in WordPress

Categories are essential for organising your blog posts, making it easier for readers to navigate your content. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of adding a new category in WordPress and provide tips on best practices for setting up and organising categories.

Step 1: Log into Your WordPress Dashboard

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your WordPress login page (usually `yourdomain.com/wp-admin`).
2. Enter your username and password, then click the “Log In” button.

Step 2: Navigate to Categories

1. In the left sidebar of your dashboard, hover over **Posts**.
2. Click on **Categories** from the dropdown menu. This will take you to the Categories page, where you can manage your existing categories and add new ones.

Step 3: Add a New Category

1. On the Categories page, you’ll see a form on the left side labeled **Add New Category**.
2. In the **Name** field, enter the name of your new category (e.g., “Travel,” “Recipes,” “Technology”).
3. Optionally, you can add a **Slug**. The slug is the URL-friendly version of the category name, typically in lowercase and with hyphens instead of spaces (e.g., `travel`, `my-recipes`).
4. If you want to nest this category under a parent category, select a **Parent Category** from the dropdown. This is useful for creating subcategories, such as “International Travel” under “Travel.”
5. You can also add a brief **Description** of the category, which may be displayed on your site depending on your theme.

Step 4: Save the New Category

1. Once you’ve filled in the required fields, click the **Add New Category** button.
2. Your new category will now appear in the list of categories on the right side of the page.

Step 5: Organising and Managing Categories

Best Practices for Setting Up Categories

1. Limit the Number of Categories: Aim for a manageable number of categories (typically 5-10) to avoid overwhelming readers. Too many categories can confuse users and dilute your content.

2. Use Descriptive Names: Choose clear and descriptive names that accurately represent the content within that category. This helps readers understand what to expect.

3. Create Subcategories Sparingly: While nesting categories can be useful, don’t overdo it. Too many levels can complicate navigation. Only create subcategories if you have enough posts to justify them.

4. Regularly Review Categories: As your blog grows, periodically assess your categories. Merge or delete those that are underused to keep your site organised.

5. Consistent Usage: When creating new posts, consistently assign them to the appropriate categories. This not only aids in organisation but also enhances your site’s SEO.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully added a new category to your WordPress site. By following best practices for setting up and organising categories, you can improve your site’s navigation and help your readers find content more easily. Regularly managing your categories will ensure your blog remains well-structured and user-friendly. Happy blogging!